Movie reviews of George Wolf

The Six Triple Eight tells a lesser-known story of unsung heroes who deserve the acclaim, but the best intentions of writer/director Tyler Perry are often hamstrung by his broad brush and heavy-handed approach to telling it. Review

A tightly-wound account of one anxious search for the thrill of victory, September 5 is one of the year’s unforgettable thrillers. Review

For Elton’s legions of fans (full disclosure: including me), Never Too Late will be a nostalgic and hit-filled salute. And if you don’t expect much more depth than a super-deluxe souvenir tour book, you’ll be plenty satisfied. Review

The Order is another example of Kurzel’s skill as a craftsman. He again re-imagines case history with the taut instincts of a narrative storyteller, leaving nothing but hard, compelling truths behind. Review

There are laughs to be had before things get overly silly, but Mooney finds his groove by serving up plenty of nostalgic callbacks that will hit 90s kids in the feels and give the older viewers some knowing smiles and head nods. Review

Beatles ’64 weaves intimate moments from idols and fans alike into a warm and wonderful snapshot of wistful innocence. Review

Part one of the film version reminds us why we were captivated in the first place, and how satisfying a move from stage to screen can be. Review

But much like Santa for most Red One‘s two hours, the moviegoing joy is missing in action. Review

The guy loves his dogs, he loves his mushing, and he loves his family farm. Underdog makes it nearly impossible to root against him. Review

This larger-scale Best Christmas Pageant Ever is still aimed at young viewers, and for that target it is serviceable. For adults, the most compelling aspect here is the glaring hypocrisy of so many who will be recommending it. Review

The are plenty of characters here, but instead of arcs, Taormina serves up some terrific production design, visual mischief and plenty of throwback needle drops to keep the mood festive. Review

For a story so deeply rooted in family legacy, that seems only right. The Piano Lesson is played with a committed intensity of feeling, giving a symphony of talent the room to honor its source material with lasting resonance. Review

Give the film room enough to blend its many voices, and you’ll find some surprisingly touching, blood-soaked harmony. Review

The Remarkable Life of Ibelin is remarkable in its own right. It weaves together interviews, home movies and stylized game recreations into a journey of stirring emotion, led by one young man whose humanity would not be denied. Review

Home movies and band interviews bring context for these longtime bonds, and provide the opportunity for warm tributes in memory of Clarence Clemons and Danny Federici. Review

The ride is well-paced and impressively assembled, and the payoff is satisfying enough to make you forget about who’s manning the camera or why we’re watching reactions to a shocking videotape instead of the tape itself. Review

Both the horror and the comedy here are on the lighter side, but For Sale By Exorcist is heavy on love for each genre, and built with some seriously fun bones. It’s a delight. Review

Daddy’s Head tripping is committed to upping the ante, and the escalation ultimately delivers enough to satisfy fans of both blood and metaphors. Review

Rumours may be the perfect blend of comedy and world’s end commentary. It’s quieter, more polite, but still able to wield absurdity as a potent spotlight on the pathetic... Review

While none of the sentiments here may be new or even especially profound, give in to the slightly Twilight Zone setup and the way My Old Ass delivers its life lessons might just knock you on yours. Review

There’s a winning air of confidence to the film, and it’s not just from two A-listers secure in their movie star status. Wolfs isn’t trying to re-invent any genres, but Watts displays plenty of skill with plot twisty intrigue. Review

Expertly assembled and deceptively understated, it is a beautiful ode to the pleasure, pain, friendships and memories of a life well lived. Review

The 4:30 Movie is certainly the Kevin Smith-iest of the filmmaker’s memory lanes we’ve been down recently. It’s also the most fractured and frustrating. Let’s hope his future is more rewarding. Review

Dormer also finds moments of humor to humanize the character, moments Morales uses to let the audience breathe. Whatever its dramatic contrivances, and there are a few, the success of The Wasp boils down to riveting, believable performances that command your attention. Review